Dec 27, 2012

Fashion Resolution: Experiment With Beauty Products

Jasmina Aganovic

Another suggestion for a Fashion Resolution might pertain to
our beauty routines and chosen products. There are so many great lines available, I encourage you to do your
homework and see what is best for the after 50 skin.I would like to recommend one line, Bona Clara.Founded by a young, intelligent woman,
Jasmina Aganovic, the line of age specific beauty products is designed to enhance all stages of a woman’s
life.Jasmina was willing to answer a
few questions for the over50feeling40 audience about her unique line:

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself!

I am 25, live in Boston, and my parents and younger brother
all live in South Florida where I grew up!

2. How did you happen
to enter into the beauty industry and how old were you?

I was always passionate about the beauty industry... always
grabbing the latest Allure. I actually didn’t consider this as a career choice
until my junior year of college. I was put on a really interesting project that
sparked my interest!

3. Tell me about your
strategy for developing product for different ages...how did that come about
and how is it working?

The idea started when I was doing some research during my
undergrad years. I was working with antibiotic formulations and using human skin
as a test model. My results varied so dramatically by age that it planted the
first seeds of: "why aren't more brands talking about this?" I worked
in the beauty industry for a couple years after graduation, and that was where
I saw how hungry for information the typical beauty consumer is. I saw a huge
place for an educational beauty brand in the market. Our goal from the
beginning has been to teach women about the changing needs of the skin by age.

4. Some women believe that skincare is completely hereditary
and it does not matter what they do...they will age and look as mom and grandma
did...please address that type of thinking.

I smile when I read things like this. Genetics are of course
important and play a role (we are all envious of the woman with miraculous
genes)... but they are not an excuse for helplessness! That mentality is the
same thing as assuming that women with nice thick hair are the only ones that
should bother styling it (or doing anything at all!). When it comes to skin,
there are many things that we can do to enhance the appearance of our skin and
overall quality of our lives. Wrinkles, for example, while caused by decrease
in collagen and elastin, can also be caused due to dehydration. A great
moisturizer can fix that! Another example: Our skin regenerates slower as we
move from our 30s to 40s meaning that it looks a bit duller - a great exfoliant
can solve that and give you back a rosy glow!

5. Some women believe
cheaper products work just as well as more expensive ones...please address
those ladies.

There is no rule of thumb here, unfortunately because
everyone’s skin has different needs, complexities, etc. What I can say,
however, is that many companies that produce lower price point products use
lower grade essential oils and actives. Furthermore, they use cheaper
preservatives like parabens that have been a bit controversial as of late.

6. Why is your line better
than anything else on the market?

Bona Clara is a line of products formulated specifically by
age. Not only do we offer high quality luxurious products, but we aim to be an
educational brand first and foremost. Majority of the beauty brands out there
choose an ingredient and build a story and marketing campaign around it. This
cycle is repeated for every brand and ever product launch. We take a different
approach, we start with the biological needs of the skin, and build potent
formulations with tried and true ingredients that fulfill all of those needs.

7. Finally, just tell
us the top three things women over 50 should do to age gracefully?

Hydrate! Look to hydrate the skin from every step in your
routine (ie: opt for a creamy cleanser). The moisture barrier starts to
breakdown in the 50s, making moisture retention one of the biggest challenges.

Gently Exfoliate! Any exfoliants should be small and gentle
on the skin. This is because the skin is more fragile and prone to micro tears.
Opt for exfoliants with small granules and high amounts of citrus enzymes,
which can work away at dull skin without too much rubbing.

Smile! Makes everyone
look 10 years younger :)

Some of you know how much I love her last words…Smiling
cures so much!! I hope you have a great
Thursday, everyone. Now, please visit the other bloggers of Katie's Favorite Things Blog Hop!

Welcome to a New More Confident You!

I hope my journey will help many of you to get out of the doldrums and into life again! This is not just about fashion, but about enjoying what I believe is the most exciting time of your life. As we work on the outside, there will be many moments for healing on the inside. Please share this with others and follow over50feeling40 on Twitter and Face Book for great ideas and conversations!